Jackson proves clutch as Lamar downs Paschal

What started as a disappointing night for Julius Jackson finished with him playing the role of the hero.

The senior point guard for Arlington Lamar, who averaged 15.6 points per contest coming into the game, was held scoreless in the first half. However, Jackson hit a three-pointer at the end of regulation and then drained another three as the clock expired in overtime to give Lamar a 46-43 road victory over Paschal Tuesday night.

“The guy hit a tough shot over our largest defender. I don’t know how many more times he would make that if he had 10 more tries,” Paschal head coach David Watson said. “Sometimes good offense beats good defense.”

The loss prevented a win streak for Paschal (9-13, 2-8 Dist. 4-6A) and snapped a three-game losing streak for Lamar (15-11, 6-4 Dist. 4-6A). The loss kept the Panthers in seventh place while the Vikings held on to their spot tied for third in District 4-6A.

Paschal led the Vikings 23-16 at halftime, with junior shooting guard Tyrik Price and junior point guard Dylan Thomas combining for 15 points. Jackson finished the half with no points, no rebounds and an offensive foul.

Everything looked good for the Panthers until Thomas went in for a lay up with 1:53 left in regulation. He came down off balance and hit his head against the brick wall behind the basket. Thomas lay on the ground clutching his head while the training staff rushed on the court to inspect him.

“I was just trying to avoid the charge and bounced off the defenders shoulder,” Thomas said. “It made me off balance and I hit my head hard.”

It was a momentum turn in the game as Jackson hit a three with Thomas still on the floor to pull Lamar within two points. Thomas would re-enter the game after a timeout and after passing all the concussion tests offered by the training staff.

Price led the way for Paschal with 15 points, and Thomas added 10 of his own to go along with 5 rebounds. Sophomore forward Cecil Roberts had 12 points, including three three-pointers, to pace the Vikings.

Watson said his team played well enough to win this game but just wasn’t able to finish. He said he was already looking forward to the matchup against Arlington Sam Houston on Friday.

“We’ve got to move on,” Watson said. “Can’t let a tough loss like this compound and carry over into the next game.”